Disneyland fire season is sadly an almost year-round situation. Air quality is a top concern for those struggling with asthma or other health conditions that make breathing difficult.
Smog is another constant concern in Southern California. I put together this guide to help, especially if you’re going to Disneyland with asthma or other breathing related issues.
Keeping reading for tips on staying healthy during your visit to Disneyland, even when asthma or other health issues collide with fire season and area smog.
This article is not intended to be medical advice. Please consult with your physician before traveling or using any recommended products.
Fires in Southern California and near Disneyland often cause panic for parents who worry about breathing conditions. If you or your child has asthma, this information will help you plan a better Disneyland vacation.
Disneyland Air Quality
How is Disneyland’s air quality with nearby fires? Unfortunately wildfires are common occurrence in Southern California. Even fires that are not close to Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California can pose a risk to healthy air quality.
Even when nearby fires and air quality does not affect park operations, many people are concerned about breathing conditions when vacationing and being outside for extended hours at Disneyland. I like using WeatherBug to track the air quality near Disneyland and Anaheim, California.
Where is the fire near Disneyland? It’s hard to keep track during fire season, but you can be sure Cal Fire is on it. Be sure to check current fires here.
You’ll see a map like this showing active fires, burn zones, controlled fires and more. Remember smoke can travel a long way, especially with Southern California’s Santa Ana winds.
Will Disneyland close because of the fire or bad air quality? Not likely. In 2017 the sky was covered in smoke and raining down ash on Disneyland the parks operated as normal.
Even when there was a small structural fire at Disneyland itself, the fire only closed a limited area.
Packing for Disneyland with Asthma
If you’re flying into LAX or another nearby airport, remember to keep essential medications in your carry-on luggage. If you or your child uses a nebulizer, consider purchasing this portable nebulizer, which can even be used with medication.
Along with the above suggestions have this check-list handy:
- Essential medications, make sure you have adequate amounts
- Other asthma devices
- Portable Nebulizer
- Health insurance cards
- Travel size air purifier
- Hypoallergenic pillows from home
- Disney print face mask
to block irritants, your doctor’s office might have a few extra
to block irritants, your doctor’s office might have a few extraDisneyland Fire Season at the Parks
- If you or your child has severe asthma or you’re visiting the Disneyland Resort with very limited time due to Disneyland fires or smog, consider visiting Guest Services to inquire about special assistance.
- First Aid Station and Baby Care Centers are available for a quiet area to rest and/or administer medication.
“Nurses are available during normal park operating hours to offer over-the-counter medications, bandages and other quick remedies so you can continue enjoying your visit. If you’re unable to walk to a First Aid location, please tell the nearest Cast Member and a nurse may be able to assist you in the parks.” -Disney First Aid
I also suggest limiting your time outdoors, if possible. Many attractions are inside, especially at California Adventure Park where you could spend hours inside the Animation Academy building, watching the Frozen show and so much more.
Smoke and Smog at Disneyland doesn’t need to drag you down.
Join on-going discussions about area fires and air conditions at Disneyland with Kids Facebook group. This article is not intended to be medical advice. Please consult with your physician before traveling or using any recommended products.
Postponing Your Trip
When you can’t risk your health, sometimes you must postpone your Disneyland vacation. This article details how to get refunds or credit on items like airfare, hotels, Disneyland tickets and more.
It will help take some of the stress out of an unfortunate circumstance.
Are you traveling to Disneyland with asthma or special conditions and are concerned about fires near Disneyland or air quality? Please share your comments and concerns below so we can all help each other have a successful Disneyland trip!
What we had to worry about today at Disneyland was all the weed people were smoking in and out of the bathrooms…no joke. My husband and I took our 2 year old grandson today and it was bad at both parks.
That is such a shame. Marijuana in all forms are banned at the resort, and always have been. Sounds like they really need to step up enforcement. I am sorry you had to deal with that.
I have asthma and I’m planning my first trip to Disneyland next year. I was wondering what is the perfect month for people with asthma like myself.
Hi Trini, you can see wildfire dates here and look for ones in LA, Orange, San Diego and Riverside county. It’s tough to say when the perfect time would be because these are unpredictable, but when the Santa Ana winds are high and there’s not much rainfall… https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2017_California_wildfires
A travel-size air purifier is a great idea! I live in bad air quality often so I’m unfortunately pretty used to it.
Thanks Kim, I know those small purifiers come in handy for my nephew when he travels. He has other allergies as well and they usual bring him an air mattress with their own linens too.